HR Tips

The next, and most significant portion of the Oregon Equal Pay Law goes into effect on January 1, 2019. HR Answers, Inc. is offering a variety of products to assist your organization with reaching pay equity compliance.

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When interviewing, remember to ask questions that will provide you information about what the candidate can do and questions that will give you information about how s/he will do it. Employers most often hire for what and they fire for how. A little thought in advance about both of these critical aspects of performance may minimize the need for corrective action or discharge.

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There is a Law in science that Nature abhors a vacuum. Guess what  employees abhor it as well. The more information you can provide to employees, the more they feel connected to the organization and its pursuits.

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Mistakes are going to occur even when everyone has the best of intentions, but the same mistake shouldnt have to occur again. Ensure that each mistake is a learning opportunity. We all learn best when we have goofed, and nobody likes that sinking feeling in their tummy. If mistakes are treated as a learning opportunity and no blame is attached to them, people can identify the ooops and learn from it. Second time, same mistake; well thats a different issue!

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Praise does wonders for a persons hearing. If you tell someone they did a great job on something, it will make hearing about the times that things dont go so well much easier.

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Dont forget to offer your appreciation for someone doing the job that needed to be done. You dont have to go overboard, but saying, I can always depend on you to get the work done, on time, and in good shape. I want you to know how much I appreciate never having to worry about that. Thanks!! goes a long way.

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Employees value having good equipment, current versions of software, and attention paid to their desks, chairs, and workstations. Making sure that these are in good repair and current allows the employees to work more productively and it removes one barrier to employee satisfaction.

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When conducting Exit Interviews, don’t ask “Why are you leaving?” Ask instead, “Why did you first start looking for another job?” This will elicit a far more definitive answer that you can do something about if a trend becomes evident.

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Remember that when an employee is struggling, it may be less about the employee and more about the guidance that he/she is being given (or not being given) by the supervisor.

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One of the best ways to get updated information for a position or to revise a Job Description is through the use of a Job Analysis Questionnaire that an employee can fill out to tell about their work assignments and conditions. If you want more info about this form, just give us a call.

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Criticizing an employees attitude is not very helpful. It is far better to talk about their behavior. They get to have any feelings they want, but the employer gets to comment on and correct poor behavior!

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Make sure your Social Media policy states that employees cannot demean or denigrate co-workers or customers, but place no restrictions on their commentary about management or the organization less you run afoul of the NLRA.

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Consider an applicants behavior during the application and interview processes. This should be the time they put their best foot forward. Exercise caution and consider what is likely once they are hired if there are glitches when they are at their best.

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Remember that your employment posters must be able to be seen and read by both employees and applicants so during your first in-person contact with an applicant, ensure they are walked through a place where your employment posters are visible.

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Keep your eye on your state and local government and their actions. There is a major thrust trying to do away with the item on your employment application inquiring about previous convictions (Ban-the-Box). Be prepared to remove that language if new laws require that.

Contact us:

(503) 885-9815(877) 287-4476

HR Answers, Inc. 7650 SW Beveland Street Suite 130 Tigard, OR 97223

What our clients say:

Im excited HR Answers is now working with SDAO in another capacity. They are very educated when it comes to all things HR and have been working with utilities and special Districts for some time, making them an even more valuable resource for us.

Melissa Korsmo

Clatskanie PUD

We spent a year-plus looking for a key staffing role to be filled. We contacted HR Answers and, working with Gail Muller, were able to fill that position in less than two months. Gail and HR Answers were superb support for us at a very important time.

Mike Salsgiver, Executive Direct,

AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter

Thanks so much HRA Consultants’ for coaching me through a wide variety of HR challenges this year! All your expertise has been very much appreciated!

Kasey Richter

Westward Bon

Thanks to all your expertise, the work looks right on target and with delivery well ahead of schedule. HR Answers dazzles us!

Hans Gundersen

Port of Coos Bay

I am pleased to share with you how much I appreciate HR Answer’s work. The Consultants are thoughtful, thorough, and intelligent. I enjoy working with you.

Monica Morris

Finance Director for Wasco County, Oregon

A VERY sincere thank you for your wonderful presentation. Deborah did a terrific job — very engaging, very information, very valuable. THANK YOU! I shared a snapshot of your presentation with our larger staff this past week. It went well! I am so grateful for HR Answers!

Our United Villages & The ReBuilding Center

No matter the question, HR Answers always provides the knowledge, support, and answers for our problems, issues, and concerns.

Joanne Beasley, Controller

Progressive Rehab Associates

We are so pleased with our decision to change our HR consulting firm to HR Answers. While we utilize all the benefits with the Advantage program, we have found everyone to be highly professional and customer service oriented.

Joanna Lawler

Moonstruck Chocolate Co.

HR Answers’ Advantage program is worth every penny, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an outsource human resource solution.

Bill Washburn, Product Manager

Nobeltec, Inc.

I so appreciate knowing I can call HR Answers unlimited with any question, no matter how small. Thank you!

Brooke Johnson

Children’s Center

HR Answers has a very knowledgeable, friendly staff that is always willing to help me out with any HR needs. Thank you.

Hillsboro Aviation

Over the years, we have not only benefited from some terrific education seminars, but have also received excellent guidance for dealing with those more challenging employee situations. Thanks for bringing together a wonderful team of experts.

Kathy de Domingo

Progressive Rehab Associates

Thank you for being the “go to” agency for all things HR. Thank you for going the extra mile! Congratulations on 30 successful years!

Ride Connection

HR Answers provides excellent support to its clients. They are there for all your HR needs from training and development to employee relation challenges. They rock!

Pauline Mueller, Director of HR

Consolidated Supply Co.

I have enjoyed working with Deborah on and off over the last 5 years. Deborah is a valuable resource in the HR field for me and the client companies we worked with. She is an engaging speaker and a business partner who operates with a high level of integrity and honesty. I would not hesitate to recommend Deborah to anybody in need of human resources expertise.

Russ Walker

Reliant Behavioral Health

While searching for an HR position, I had an opportunity to work with and be encouraged by HR Answers.

Jayne Calkins, HR/Office Manager

Lensbaby

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement during this placement it has been greatly appreciated.

Lauren, I especially wanted to thank you for your belief in me prior to the placement it meant a lot to me; thank you for this opportunity with a wonderful company and more importantly a great supportive supervisor.

Lori Hutchings

ADEC

Awesome newsletter – thanks for taking the time to share relevant information every month! I always look forward to reading it.

Kasey Richter, Marketing & HR Manager

The Cinnamon Bums, Inc.

I love HR Answers and reach out to them on a pretty regular basis. I am especially grateful to Kellie Tresch, who I reach out to first at HR Answers when I run into an issue that I need advice on. She’s knowledgeable, patient, and realistic.